Lent – Day 10

The Power of Repentance

Every Saturday during this study, you will learn about common spiritual disciplines that many followers of Jesus practice during Lent. Today you will learn about repentance. These disciplines are valuable tools to draw near to God when they come from a heart seeking to do just that — rather than a heart which hopes to justify itself through these works or simply check a box on its Lent “to-do” list. We hope these insights will encourage you and help connect you to the Father throughout these 40 days.

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight; so You are right in Your verdict and justified when You judge.” Psalm 51:1-4

Saying “I’m sorry” has never been easy for me. I don’t enjoy admitting when I’ve messed up. I’ve learned, though, that if I don’t apologize when I’ve done something wrong, my relationships inevitably suffer.

I see this in my relationship with God too. Sin damages my fellowship with Him, but repentance — the act of turning away from sin and surrendering anew to God’s authority — brings restoration and peace.

King David learned the importance of repentance after having an affair with a married woman and sending her husband to the front lines of war to die. Psalm 51 shows his anguish over his sins. His prayer of repentance can serve as a model for you today.

Repentance acknowledges that your heart is prone to wander away from God, and it places God back in His rightful place on the throne of your life. The purpose of repentance isn’t to spend time wallowing in shame but to allow the Holy Spirit’s conviction to draw you back to God. He has already paid the price for your sins, and He has the power to bring you victory over that sin.

If it’s been a while since you’ve practiced the healthy discipline of repentance, Lent is a great time to incorporate it into your spiritual walk. His love is perfect; His mercy is abundant. Like David, cry out to Him and trust that He’s able to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. And then enjoy the sweet fellowship that comes with being right with God.

Pray

“God, thank You for Your goodness and mercy. I acknowledge that I am guilty of __. Please forgive me and create a clean heart within me. I surrender to You and ask You to help me live a life that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Jayna Richardson